USA > Connecticut > A gazetteer of the states of Connecticut and Rhode-Island : written with care and impartiality, from original and authentic materials : consisting of two parts : with an accurate and improved map of each state > Part 3
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If there are any prevailing or peculiar vices belonging to the in- habitants of this State, we think that an avaricious or mercenary spirit is the most conspicuous. This probably is owing in part to the prevailing spirit and habits of trade; but principally to civil institu- tions, and the established principles and customs of society, which at- tach an undeserved importance to property. These causes are not peculiar to this State ; yet, perhaps, from their connection with oth- ers, their influence may have been more extensive. -
Commerce and Tonnage .- From the situation of Connecticut, being in the neighbourhood of New-York, the great emporium of the Uni- ted States, and from other causes, its foreign trade has always been limited. What there is, is principally confined to the cities of New- Haven, Hartford, New-London and Middletown, and the, boroughs of Bridgeport and Stonington, and the town of Fairfield. But the principal navigation business consists of a coasting trade, carried on with the southern States, New-York, Boston, Providence, the sou- thern shore of Massachusetts, and the District of Maine. The prin- cipal articles of exportation are Indian corn, rye and oats, which are sent to the eastward in large quantities ; and some cider, butter, cheese and various manufactures to the southern States ; shad, beef, potatoes, &coto New-York ; and horses, beef, pork and lumber to the West-Indies or other foreign markets.
Of articles of manufactures, which are sent abroad for a market, spiritous liquors, distilled from domestic materials, particularly gin and cider brandy, are the most important. Gin forms a large and valuable staple for exportation, greatly exceeding any other manu- factured article in the State. These articles are sent to New-York, Boston, Providence, the southern States, and in some cases to foreign countries. Large quantities of tin ware are manufactured in the State, which is principally sent abroad for a market, mostly to the southern States. Hats, shoes and other manufactures of leather are articles of exportation to the southern States. Clocks, both of wood and metal, and buttons, of metal and ivory, are articles of exportation ; and also ploughs, waggons and carriages, particularly the former, of which large quantities are annually sent to the southern States. The products of the iron manufactories, castings, hollow ware, anchors, &c. are articles of exportation ; also muskets, pistols and swords, sad- dles and harness work, cabinet furniture, combs, brooms, candles and soap, machinery, cards, wooden ware, powder, glass ware, woolen and cotton cloths, marble, freestone, wood, timber for building, ship tim- ber and lumber, are comprised among the exports of the State. The commercial interests, unconnected with navigation, are respectable.
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GENERAL VIEW
The whole amount of tonnage in Connecticut, in 1815, was 50,358. Since that period, there may have been such additions as to make an aggregate of 60,000 tons of shipping of every description.
Fisheries .- The fisheries of Connecticut consist principally of the smack fisheries of New-London county, and the shad fisheries of the Connecticut and Ousatonick rivers. The shad fisheries in Middlesex county are a source of profit, and form a large item in the exports of the county. Connecticut river shad are of a better quality than any other in the United States, and are worth more in market. They are sent to New-York, and most of the sea-ports in the Union. Conside- rable quantities of mackerel and black fish are taken in New-London county, a portion of which are sent abroad for a market. Of the shell fisheries, upon Long Island sound, the oyster fishery is the most impor- tant. These are marketed in this and the neighbouring States.
Manufactures .- Manufactures in Connecticut constitute an impor- tant interest. A manufacturing spirit was early disclosed in this State ; and, with the exception of Rhode-Island, there is no State in the Un- ion where it has been cherished with so much attention, or directed to so many objects. The establishment of manufactures depends essen- tially upon a dense population ; which, occasioning a surplus of in- "dustry, leads to a diversion of it from agriculture, the first as well as the most important occupation of Society.
From the limited territory of the State, the denseness of its popu- lation, the enterprise and industry of its citizens, the numerous water privileges, which abound in almost every section of it, and the great fa- cilities which it possesses for intercourse abroad, Connecticut has su- perior advantages for manufacturing pursuits ; and it is believed that it cannot fail of becoming, at no distant period, an extensively manu- facturing community. Already considerable progress has been made in various branches of manufactures ; and it may be safely asserted, that, with the exception of Rhode-Island, the aggregate manufacturing industry of this State is greater, in proportion to its population, than that of any other State in the Union.
Of the various manufactures of the State, those of domestic spi- rits, consisting principally of gin and cider brandy, claim the first rank as articles of exportation, and for their aggregate value. The princi- pal seat of the gin manufacture is in the county of Hartford, particu- larly in the towns of East-Windsor, Enfield and Windsor. There are, in this county, 21 gin distilleries, some of which are upon an ex- tensive scale. The business is pursued extensively and advantageous- ly, and employs a great amount of capital. The gin manufactured in the aforesaid towns is of an excellent quality, and is mostly sent abroad for a market. These towns, having engaged so extensively in this manufacture, and taken the lead of all others, it is not improba- ble, that some one of them may ultimately become the * Scheidam of
* A town in Holland, famous for its manufacture of gin.
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America. This business furnishes a ready and advantageous market for grain and wood, and contributes in no small degree to the agricul- tural prosperity of the county. In addition to the spirits manufactur- ed at these establishments, large quantities of beef and pork are fat- tened. It has been estimated, that nearly 1000 head of beeves have been fattened at the several distilleries in Hartford county, in one season, besides a great number of swine.
Tin-ware forms another extensive manufacturing interest. This manufacture is pursued principally in the towns of Berlin, Meriden, Southington, Simsbury and others, in Hartford and New-Haven coun- ties. This ware is vended in almost every part of the United States, furnishing employment for a great number of persons, both at home and abroad. Clocks, buttons and shoes are manufactured for exporta- tion in the towns of Waterbury, Plymouth and Wallingford. Hats are manufactured in Danbury, extensively ; and shoes in Guilford, Durham and New-Canaan; both of which also form articles of ex- portation.
The tanneries in Connecticut are numerous, and at many of them the business is pursued upon an extensive scale. Large quantities of leatherare annually manufactured, a considerable proportion of which is sent abroad for a market. Large quantities of saddles and harness work are annually exported from Hartford, Bridgeport, many towns in Fair- field county and other parts of the State. There are several morocco leather manufactories in Hartford, New-Haven, Norwich, &c.
Of the manufactures of wood, ploughs claim particular notice, con- sidered as an article of exportation. The seat of this business is in the town of Enfield, where very large quantities of ploughs are annually manufactured, and sent to the southern States. Carriages and waggons are built in and exported from the towns of New-Ha- ven, Burlington, Enfield and many others.
Litchfield county is the principal seat of the iron manufacture. The whole number of forges in the State is 48; of which 39 are in this county. The principal seats of the iron manufacture, in this county, are in the towns of Canaan, Winchester, Salisbury, Kent, New-Mil- ford, Washington, Norfolk, Cornwall and Litchfield. In addition to the various and valuable products of the forges and furnaces, which form the most important interest in iron manufacture, sleigh-shoes, gun-barrels, axes, hoes, nail-rods and cut-nails are manufactured in various towns in this county.
There are also valuable iron manufactures in Stafford ; particularly hollow-ware and castings of various kinds. There are 15 furnaces in the State, of every description ; but the principal hollow-ware manufactory is in Stafford, which possesses the advantages of bog ore, of an excellent quality for casting, that abounds in various places in the town. Steel-yards and augers are manufactured in Mansfield, rifles and swords are manufactured in Middletown, and muskets, in large quantities for exportation, at the extensive gun factory in Ham-
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GENERAL VIEW
den, near New-Haven. Pistols, silver-plate and jewelry are manu- factured as articles of exportation, in Berlin, the two first also in Middletown; and the copper and silver smith business is carried on extensively in Hartford, and several other towns. Horn and ivory combs are manufactured in Saybrook, Mansfield and Middle- town; machine and hand cards extensively in Hartford, and ma- chinery, for carding &c. in New-Hartford, and various other towns. The manufacture of powder has received considerable attention. There are 11 powder mills in the State, a considerable number of which are 'in East-Hartford. The manufacture of paper has also re- ceived great attention. This manufacture is carried on principally at East-Hartford, Norwich, Windham and Coventry. There are 24 paper mills in the State ; and there is a paper-hanging manufactory. at Hartford, which pursues the business upon an extensive scale.
The principal seat of the glass manufactures is in East-Hartford and Coventry. There are four glass factories in the State ; they ma- nufacture bottles, and glass ware of other descriptions, which are prin- cipally sent abroad for a market.
The cotton manufacture in Connecticut is already an important in- terest, and promises to become an extensive business ; onening a wide field for industry, affording employment to a vast amount of capital, and contributing essentially to the general prosperity of the State, by keeping its citizens and capital at home. There are, at this time, 67 cotton factories in the State, some of which are upon an extensive scale. The cotton manufacture commenced about fifteen years ago, and has experienced various vicissitudes, and had to encounter great difficulties ; and although the business has at times suffered great de- pression, yet, in general, it has " grown with its growth and strength- ened with its strength." The business was very flourishing during the war, but has been greatly depressed since the peace. It has been re- viving, however, for some time past ; and now exhibits renewed vigour and activity. New companies are forming, and additional capital is in- vested in the business ; and those establishments which discontinued their operations after the late peace, and were suffered to decay, have, in general, been repaired and put in operation, many of them having been transferred to other hands. This, as well as most other great national interests, seems likely to owe its permanent establishment and ultimate prosperity to the enterprise and sacrifices of individu- als. Like the vanguard of an army, those who go forward in most kinds of manufactures, are destined to be sacrificed for the general . good.
In the cotton manufacture, Windham county takes the lead ; there being in this county 22 cotton factories, most of which are upon a large scale. The extent of the business here, the amount of the capital invested, and the employment which it affords, gives it a rank, second only to that of agriculture, in the interests of the county ; and whilst it contributes to its prosperity, it cannot fail of having a salutary ef-
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fect in checking the spirit of emigration, and of maintaining its popu- lation at home.
The woolen manufacture has already become an important business in this State. There are 66 woolen factories ; some of which are up- on an extensive scale, and employ a large capital and considerable in- dustry. Some of these establishments were among the first in the United States, and have acquired a reputation which has; perhaps, not been attained by any other ; particularly those of Humphreys- ville, Middletown and Wolcottsville. The cloths manufactured at these establishments have united a fine texture with an elegant finish- ing ; and while they have been superior, in strength and firmness, they have been considered as scarcely inferior, in style of manufacture, to first rate English cloths. The woolen manufactories of this State, in common with those of others, have experienced great depression since the peace, but are now beginning to revive ; and it is believed that they will generally be able to resume their operations, and that it will soon become a prosperous and important business, and a source of profit as well as of industry. While upon the subject of woolen ma- nufactures, the attention is invited to those which are more emphati- cally of a domestic character. The domestic manufactures in this State are extensive and important, and consist of woolen, linen and cotton ; but the former is the most important. With the exception of the cities, almost every family manufactures the substantial woolen fabrics, for their own consumption. The domestic or household ma- nufacture of woolen cloths is greatly facilitated and promoted, by the number of carding machines and cloth dressing establishments which abound in every direction, and which, within a few years, have' become greatly improved in the business. Of the latter, there are in this State more than 200; and of the former, about 250.
Government .- It is well known, that for nearly thirty years, Con- necticut and New-Haven formed two distinct colonies, having sepa- rate and independent governments. In the year 1639, the inhabit- ants of the towns of Hartford, Windsor and Wethersfield formed and entered into articles of association, which constituted the basis of the government of the colony of Connecticut, until 1662. This year, a number of the most distinguished citizens, having made application, obtained of Charles II. King of Great-Britain, a charter, constituting the colony of Connecticut, the limits of which were defined, a civil corporation, and investing it with the power of self-government; the authority being entrusted to a Governor, Deputy Governor, twelve As- sistants and the freemen of the colony. The provisions of this char- ter were vague and defective, considered as the basis of a civil go- vernment, and many of them scarcely intelligible. It however granted important privileges for a colonial government; there being no. other restriction upon the authority of the colony, than that its laws must not contravene those of the parent country.
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GENERAL VIEW
The colony of New-Haven, which had heretofore been distinct and independent, was included within the colony of Connecticut, as defin- ed by the charter ; and after a resistance of several years, they ac- knowledged the authority of the government of Connecticut estab- lished according to the charter.
By the organization of the government under the charter, the le- gislative power was vested in two branches ; one called the Council, consisting of the Governor, Deputy-Governor and twelve Assistants, and the other the House of Representatives, composed of the depu- ties of the freemen, of which the ancient towns were entitled to two each. The General Court, as these two branches were called, was authorized to make laws, to constitute judicatories, and to exercise all the essential powers of government.
After the declaration of independence, this State did not follow the example of most of the other States, and adopt a written consti- tution, but continued the government according to the ancient form ; a statute being enacted the session following the memorable 4th July, 1776, which provided that the government should continue to be organized and administered according to the provisions of the char- ter. It was apparent, that this statute could have no more authority than any other act of the General Assembly; and that it might be repealed at any subsequent session ; yet, by the common consent of the people, the government was acquiesced in, and continued in this form until the recent formation of a constitution.
By the ancient government, the freemen met semi-annually, in April and in September. The Governor, Deputy-Governor and twelve As- sistants were elected in April, for one year ; and the deputies were elected both in April and September; being chosen only for six months. Until some years since, the Council constituted the su- preme judicial tribunal ; being a Court of Errors. But for some years, this power has been lodged in different hands ; the several judges of the Superior Court having been constituted the Supreme Court of Errors. With this exception, the government continued without any essential alteration, until the 15th of September 1818, when the present constitution of government was framed by a conven- tion of Delegates, elected by the people for that purpose. The Dele- gates of this convention were elected in pursuance of a Resolve of the General Assembly, at the preceding May session ; each town electing the same number that it did Representatives to the Assembly. By a resolve of the convention, it was directed that the constitution should be submitted directly to the people; and that if a majority of the qualified electors approved of it, it should become the constitution and supreme law of the State. It was accordingly submitted to the electors, assembled in their respective towns, on the 5th day of Oc- tober, and was ratified by a majority of 1554. From the importance of this instrument, we have thought it better to embody it entire, than to attempt to give an abstract of its provisions.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT.
PREAMBLE.
THE people of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude, the good providence of God, in having permitted them to enjoy a free govern- ment, do, in order more effectually to define, secure and perpetuate the liberties, rights and privileges which they have derived from their ancestors, hereby, after a careful consideration and revision, ordain and establish the following Constitution and form of Civil Govern- ment.
Article First.
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.
That the great and essential principles of liberty and free govern- ment may be recognized and established,
WE DECLARE,
§ 1. That all men, when they form a social compact, are equal in - rights ; and that no man or set of men are entitled to exclusive public emoluments or privileges from the community.
§ 2. That all political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit; and that they have at all times an undeniable and indefea- sible right to alter their form of government in such manner as they may think expedient.
§ 3. The exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and wor- ship, without discrimination, shall forever be free to all persons in this State, provided that the right hereby declared and established shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or to justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the State.
§ 4. No preference shall be given by law to any christian sect or mode of worship.
§ 5. Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his senti- ments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.
§ 6. No law shall ever be passed to curtail or restrain the liberty of speech or of the press.
§ 7. In all prosecutions or indictments for libels, the truth may be given in evidence, and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the court.
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GENERAL VIEW
§ 8. The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions from unreasonable searches and seizures ; and no war- rant to search any place, or to seize any person or things, shall issue without describing them as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation.
§ 9. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have a right to be heard by himself and by counsel ; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be confronted by the witnesses against him ; to have compulsory process to obtain witnesses in his favour ; and in all prosecutions by indictment or information, a speedy public trial by an impartial jury. He shall not be compelled to give evidence against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, but by due course of law. And no person shall be holden to answer for any crime, the punishment of which may be death, or imprisonment for life, unless on a presentment or an indictment of a grand jury ; except in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service, in time of war, or public danger.
§ 10. No person shall be arrested, detained or punished, except in cases clearly warranted by law.
§ 11. The property of no person shall be taken for public use, without just compensation therefor.
§ 12. All courts shall be open, and every person, for an injury done him in his person, property or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, deni- al or delay.
§ 13. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines im- posed.
§ 14. All prisoners shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offences, where the proof is evident, or the presumption great ; and the privileges of the writ of habeas cor- pus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or inva- sion, the public safety may require it ; nor in any case, but by the le- gislature.
§ 15. No person shall be attainted of treason or felony, by the le- gislature.
§ 16. The citizens have a right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the pow- ers of government, for redress of grievances, or other proper purpos- es, by petition, address or remonstrance.
§ 17. Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defence of himself and the State.
§ 18. The military shall, in all cases, and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power.
§ 19. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any housc, without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war, but in a man- per to be prescribed by law.
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OF CONNECTICUT.
§ 20. No hereditary emoluments, privileges or honours, shall ever be granted, or conferred in this State.
§ 21. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate.
Article Second.
OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS.
The powers of government shall be divided into three distinct de- partments, and each of them confided to a separate magistracy-to wit-those which are Legislative, to one ; those which are Executive to another, and those which are Judicial to another.
Article Third.
OF THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.
§ 1. The Legislative power of this State shall be vested in two dis- iinct houses or branches ; the one to be styled THE SENATE, the other, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, and both together, THE GENE- RAL ASSEMBLY. The style of their laws shall be, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly con- vened.
§ 2. There shall be one stated session of the General Assembly, to be holden in each year, alternately at Hartford and New-Haven, on the first Wednesday of May, and at such other times as the General Assembly shall judge necessary ; the first session to be holden at Hart- ford ; but the person administering the office of Governor may, on special emergencies, convene the General Assembly at either of the said places, at any other time. And in case of danger from the pre- valence of contagious diseases in either of said places, or other cir- cumstances, the person administering the office of Governor may, by Proclamation, convene said assembly at any other place in this State.
§ 3. The House of Representatives shall consist of electors, resid- ing in towns from which they are elected. The number of Represen- tatives from each town shall be the same as at present practised and allowed. In case a new town shall hereafter be incorporated, such new town shall be entitled to one Representative only ; and if such new town shall be made from one or more towns, the town or towns from which the same shall be made, shall be entitled to the same num- ber of Representatives as at present allowed, unless the number shall be reduced by the consent of such town or towns.
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